Townsville to host Queensland Firebirds, Sunshine Coast Lightning Super Netball pre-season derby

Townsville will host an elite netball match for the first time in four years when the state’s two biggest teams clash at Townsville Stadium on March 2.

Townsville will host an elite netball match for the first time in four years when the Queensland Firebirds play Sunshine Coast Lightning at Townsville Stadium on March 2. Picture: Supplied

Townsville will host an elite netball match for the first time in four years when the Queensland Firebirds play Sunshine Coast Lightning at Townsville Stadium on March 2.

Magnetic Island’s Lightning goalshooter Cara Koenen could return to play her first professional match at home, since the pandemic-affected 2020 season, when the annual pre-season Suncorp Spirit Cup goes up for grabs in North Queensland.

Past Townsville Grammar student Sasha-May Flegler is in line to make her progressional debut for the Firebirds after signing on as a training partner for 2024.

Townsville netball officials believe it is the first time the Firebirds will play a match in the city since the club’s formation in 1997.

The Suncorp Spirit Cup will celebrate its third birthday in Townsville after going on the road to Toowoomba and Gold Coast in previous seasons.

Players from both of Queensland’s Super Netball clubs will run a joint clinic before the match.

The match has been made possible due to a grant from Townsville City Council.

“To have international calibre netball players here in Townsville is a major coup for the city and I’m sure it will be well supported by the community,” Townsvile mayor Jenny Hill said.

“We expect this will attract a lot of visitors to come to Townsville which will also be a major win for our hoteliers, restaurateurs and retailers.”

Suncorp CEO Consumer Experience said the Group was pleased to continue his commitment to bringing elite netball to all regions across Queensland.

Coaches from both sides said they were excited to test their squads’ readiness in Townsville.

“The Suncorp Spirit Cup is an important pre-season match for us as it allows us to test our combinations ahead of the SSN season against a strong side,” Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds said.

“It’s also fantastic we’ll be able to meet and play in front of our North Queensland Members and fans again.”

Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said the Cup was a great opportunity for us to bring to bring the players of both clubs to regional areas and really connect with our fans throughout the state.”

The Cup contest will be played in a regular format, with four 15-minute quarters and the Suncorp Super Shot in play.

Tickets for the event go on sale Thursday, 1 February at 10am AEST.

Originally published as Townsville to host Queensland Firebirds, Sunshine Coast Lightning Super Netball pre-season derby